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Family Law

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Hello! I am a licensed attorney, admitted to practice in state and federal court. I have a nearly 100% satisfaction rating (click here for more info) so all that means is that you can count on me to help today. Because I want to provide you with the most accurate answer possible, do you mind if I take a moment to review your question?

Please keep in mind that our conversation does not include an attorney-client relationship and this is for general information purposes only.

Thanks very much for your patience. It's not possible for you to assume responsibility of the child until you become the child's legal guardian or if you adopt the child. Both of those situations require you to go through the courts and both require the father's rights being cut off. For a guardianship, you need to petition the court and say that because the father is not in the child's life, you should be given guardianship over the child so you, along with the child's mother, can make decisions on the child's behalf. Adoption means that you would have rights similar to a natural parent. That requires a slightly different process that varies by state, but it is another possibility. You would basically have to show that you are able to provide for the health, welfare, and education of the child and if you do that, then you can have some control over the child. Did you have any other questions for me today?

My son is legally separated, with joint custody of his son, Logan. My almost-ex DIL texts nasty-grams to him and us, his extended family. We have blocked her, so now she uses their son's phone (where … read more

I need help with how to go about getting joint custody of my daughter in the state of NC. things arent really working out with the mother and I and im ready to move out but she feels if I move out she… read more

I have joint custody of my children and the live week to week between their dad and me. My son is 15 and just got his learner's license. His dad has told him not to drive with his little sisters in th… read more

Family lawyer? JA: What state is this in? It matters because laws vary by location. Customer: Florida JA: What steps have been taken so far? Customer: Are you in family law JA: Anything else you want … read more

My son has joint custody of his children. He is currently incarcerated, but as soon as he finishes a program in about 9.5 months he will have immediate release. His wife wants to move the kids out of … read more

I have joint custody of my child, no open or prior cps case. I was asked to come into the office so they could speak to me, but not regarding what. My ex informed me that she called them an it was reg… read more

I have 50 % joint custody and my ex has full physical custody of my 12 year old son. For the last year when I call to set up times to visit or call she says he doesn't want to talk to me or see me. Is… read more

Hello, in thinking of giving my mother in law legal guardianship rights so she can take care of medical and school needs, do I have to worry about my parental rights or could the guardian keep me from… read more

My son and his ex wife have joint custody of their 17 year old son. The 17year old has predomonatly lived with his mother. He has wanted to live with Dad for some time; however, Mom is refusing. the 1… read more

I have joint custody with her being the primary care taker of my daughter and son but over the last 6 months I have had my son due to issues where his mom lives what is my chance of getting custody … read more

I am the custodial parent in a joint custody arrangement. Until recently my kids were under my health care but my ex-wife now has better health care so they are under hers. The problem is she is refus… read more

This is a family law question.1. My 85 year old mother was in the hospital for 2 weeks and is now in rehab.She had a heart attack and has severe COPD. She is on oxygen fulltime and Bipap as needed.2. … read more

Joint custody. No right of refusal. Father traveling for work during his custody time and refusing to allow me to care for our child in his absence.I have gained information as to his upcoming travel.… read more

i have joint custody of my dauther who is 8 and her mother has physical custody her mother wants to move away to another state 220 miles away what are my rights and as it sounds she is willing to leav… read more

DISCLAIMER: Answers from Experts on JustAnswer are not substitutes for the advice of an attorney. JustAnswer is a public forum and questions and responses are not private or confidential or protected by the attorney-client privilege. The Expert above is not your attorney, and the response above is not legal advice. You should not read this response to propose specific action or address specific circumstances, but only to give you a sense of general principles of law that might affect the situation you describe. Application of these general principles to particular circumstances must be done by a lawyer who has spoken with you in confidence, learned all relevant information, and explored various options. Before acting on these general principles, you should hire a lawyer licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction to which your question pertains.

The responses above are from individual Experts, not JustAnswer. The site and services are provided “as is”. To view the verified credential of an Expert, click on the “Verified” symbol in the Expert’s profile. This site is not for emergency questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service (last updated February 8, 2012).

DISCLAIMER: Answers from Experts on JustAnswer are not substitutes for the advice of an attorney. JustAnswer is a public forum and questions and responses are not private or confidential or protected by the attorney-client privilege. The Expert above is not your attorney, and the response above is not legal advice. You should not read this response to propose specific action or address specific circumstances, but only to give you a sense of general principles of law that might affect the situation you describe. Application of these general principles to particular circumstances must be done by a lawyer who has spoken with you in confidence, learned all relevant information, and explored various options. Before acting on these general principles, you should hire a lawyer licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction to which your question pertains.

The responses above are from individual Experts, not JustAnswer. The site and services are provided “as is”. To view the verified credential of an Expert, click on the “Verified” symbol in the Expert’s profile. This site is not for emergency questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service (last updated February 8, 2012).